You can certainly cover ground quickly in the XM, but there’s always the sensation from behind the wheel that a raft of electronics and computer software (rather than an inherent light-footedness) is making all this possible. The XM is aided dynamically by a 48-volt active roll stabilisation system and air suspension at all four corners, and these two elements combine to all but quell pitch and body roll when you fling the weighty wagon across sinuous bitumen. Even so, the big SUV manages to hide its girth reasonably well, should you find yourself on twisty mountain roads - as we did at the vehicle’s international launch in Phoenix, Arizona. The M1 was light and streamlined, whereas the XM has a hulking presence on the road. However, this is the only real commonality as the two models are chalk and cheese in virtually every other respect. This link is brought home by the twin BMW roundels that are laser-engraved in the XM’s rear window, mimicking the pair of logos that adorned the M1’s rump. The XM is also noteworthy as it’s BMW’s first dedicated M model since the hallowed 1978 mid-engined M1 supercar. In addition, BMW says the XM can cover up to 88km in full-electric mode, enabling it to enter zero-emission zones (this will become more relevant in years to come). The petrol-electric drivetrain pushes out total outputs of 653hp and 800Nm, enabling the 2.7-tonne XM to sprint from 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds and effortlessly reach its 250kph top speed. However, the XM ups the ante as its V8 engine is supplemented by an electric motor and 25.7 kilowatt-hour battery pack. It, too, is propelled by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and is underpinned by the brand’s modular CLAR platform that also forms the backbone of the former two models. The XM’s building blocks are essentially the same as the X5M and X6M that currently spearhead BMW’s SUV line-up. This spend gets you a potent super- SUV that’s clothed in offbeat angular bodywork that could be viewed as futuristic or visually challenging. The newcomer is now available to order in the UAE, with an entry price of Dh750,000 (before options and personalisation). Our initial drive of a prototype XM earlier this year revealed a surprisingly engaging driving experience, largely thanks to the steering tuning, so we look forward to sampling the final version to see if the spry handling is preserved.BMW has the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX in its sights with its new XM plug-in hybrid, which takes the Bavarian brand into hitherto uncharted territory. 48-volt active anti-roll bars are a feature new to BMW M, although the XM uses traditional steel springs rather than an air suspension. 23-inch wheels are standard, but 22-inchers are optional, and BMW says the smaller size saves weight.Īdaptive dampers are standard equipment, as is an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Quad exhaust tips and diffuser elements give the rear bumper a racy look. There are BMW logos engraved into each upper corner of the rear window, and the aggressive-looking taillights wrap around the sides. A strong, accented character line rises along the side and kicks up at the rear doors as a nod to the classic BMW Hofmeister kink. The large kidney grilles up front are flanked by split headlights like those on the latest X7. The exterior design is more angular and imposing than many of BMW's other SUVs.
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